Commerce minister Kamal Nath launches Ritu Beri's 'Firefly'

New Delhi, Mar 5 (UNI) It was a fairy tale launch for this fashion designer's tale about her ''rise from obscurity to becoming the unofficial fashion ambassador to style capitals in the world''.

The entire who's who of the art and the fashion world witnessed the life story of Ritu Beri unveil through some of her latest outfits, at a fashion show at the French Embassy last night.

It was a proud moment indeed for Ritu Beri as the "fairy tale of her life", 'Firefly', was formally released to the world by Union Minister for commerce Kamal Nath in the presence of an august gathering consisting of the French Ambassador to India, Mr Dominique Girard, Noted artist Satish Gujral, Actor-Model Nasir Abdullah, quiz show host Siddharth Basu, media personality Rajat Sharma and several others.

Said an emotional Ritu Beri, ''the world I captured through my voyage I present through 'Firefly'. I believe God sent me into this world with a promise. It is his promise I trust. I try to explain all this and more through my 'Firefly'.'' Speaking on the occasion, the French Ambassador said,''the whole world is coming to India due to the fantastic work being done by Indians in all parts of the world and Ritu Beri is an excellent example of this having created a name for herself the world over through her fashion creations.'' The event saw quiz show host Siddharth Basu initiating the release of the book through the auction of the first copy. The copy went to Princess Elizabeth of Yugoslavia, a special guest on the occasion, for Rs 1.4 lakh. The proceeds of the auction, as also the profits from the sale of the book will go the Kalakar Trust, a non governmental organization working for the cause of underprivileged artists living in Indian slums.

The event also saw Ritu Beri being awarded this year's 'Les Trois Fileuses Dor' award by the international Association for Young Creators (IAYC) for her outstanding contribution to Indian fashion in the international fashion arena. The award was presented to Ritu Beri by former supermodel Anne De Champigneul, the founder president of the IAYC, who specially flew down from Paris to be present at the event.

The evening began with a special book reading of 'Firefly', brought alive through Ritu Beri's latest collection. Every outfit depicted the concept of Firefly. Firefly is about Ritu Beri's 15 year journey in the fashion industry, the many memories, learning and ambitions. It is also a platform from which the fashion designer wishes to share her experiences with those who may be travelling on the same road as her. The book has chapters on her influences, global fashion, her personal experiences and Paris, which has played an important part in her evolution as a designer.

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